Season of Cheer

Have you ever heard people talk about spreading Christmas cheer? There is something about this time of year that brightens the moods of folks.

In a quick Google search I found several ways to share your cheerfulness: Share baked goods with friends, donate things to the needy, go caroling, decorate your house, volunteer serving food at a shelter, or go shopping for presents. These were a few things listed, but what's the Bible say about Christmas cheer?

It's important to note that Christmas, as we know it, isn't in the Bible. However, Jesus did similar things (listed above) to bring "Christmas cheer." Technically, Christ(s)-mas loosely means "worship according to Christ" or "this is how you worship God."

Jesus answered John's messengers when asked, "Are you [the Christ] or should we expect someone else?” (Luke 7:19). He said, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of Me.” (Luke 7:22-23)

Each of these miracles and messages brought "cheer" to those who "didn't stumble" because of who He was. Jesus had many people follow Him; some were genuinely interested in hearing about the future promises of God, and others were "cheerful" because of what they got from Christ's generosity (John 6:26-27; Phillipians 1:12-18).

The reality is that we create cheer by doing things for others that brighten their day. So that magical Christmas feeling isn't limited to December. Sometimes we have to "create" a cheerful environment in a situation that normally isn't cheerful at all, (much like Jesus in Luke 7).

Another example of this is found in the announcement of Jesus' birth (arrival to earth). The angels said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)

Being saved from death and separation from God is definitely worth being cheerful about, but think of what this meant for Jesus. It was part of God’s plan to bring cheer or joy (which is the root word for cheer in koine Greek), but it is rooted in sacrificial love for others… a truly "Christmas" concept!